The document discusses different types of production systems used by companies. A job shop production system is suitable for manufacturers that produce small batches of many different customized products. Each product requires its own unique set of processing steps. Batch production uses technology that can produce a variety of products in varying volumes. The document provides examples of industries that might use each type of production system.

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2- CLASSIFICATION OF PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Production systems can be classified as Job-shop, Batch, Mass and Continuous
production systems.
2.1 Job-ShopProduction
Job-shop productionare characterized by manufacturing one or few quantity of
products designed and produced as per the specification of customers within
prefixed time and cost. The distinguishing feature of this is low volume and high
variety of products.
A job-shop comprises of general-purpose machines arranged into different
departments. Each job demands unique technological requirements, demands
processing on machines in a certain sequence.
Job-shop Productionis characterized by:
1. High variety of products and low volume.
2. Use of general purposemachines and facilities.
3. Highly skilled operators who can take up each job as a challenge because of
uniqueness.
4. Large inventory of materials, tools, parts.
5. Detailed planning is essential for sequencing the requirements of each product,
capacities for each work centreand order priorities.
Advantages
Following are the advantages of Job-shop Production:

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1. Because of general purposemachines and facilities variety of products canbe
produced.
2. Operators will becomemore skilled and competent, as each job gives them
learning opportunities.
3. Full potential of operators can be utilized.
4. Opportunity exists for Creative methods and innovative ideas.
Limitations
Following are the limitations of Job-shop Production:
1. Higher costdue to frequent set up changes.
2. Higher level of inventory at all levels and hence higher inventory cost.
3. Productionplanning is complicated.
4. Larger spacerequirements.
2.2 BatchProduction
American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) defines Batch
Production as a form of manufacturing in which the job pass through the functional
departments in lots or batches and each lot may have a different routing. It is
characterized by the manufacture of limited number of products producedat
regular intervals and stocked awaiting sales.
Batch Production is characterized by
1. Shorter production runs.
2. Plant and machinery are flexible.
3. Plant and machinery set up is used for the productionof item in a batch and
change of set up is required for processing the next batch.
4. Manufacturing lead-time and cost arelower as compared to job order
production.
Advantages
Following are the advantages of Batch Production:
1. Better utilization of plant and machinery.
2. Promotes functional specialization.
3. Costper unit is lower as compared to job order production.
4. Lower investment in plant and machinery.
5. Flexibility to accommodate and process number of products.
6. Job satisfaction exists for operators.
Limitations
Following are the limitations of Batch Production:
1. Material handling is complex becauseof irregular and longer flows.

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2. Production planning and control is complex.
3. Work in process inventory is higher compared to continuous production.
4. Higher set up costs due to frequent changes in set up.
2.3 Mass Production
Manufacture of discrete parts or assemblies using a continuous process are called
Mass Production.
This productionsystem is justified by very large volume of production. The
machines are arranged in a line or productlayout. Productand process
standardization exists and all outputs follow the same path.
Mass Production is characterized by
1. Standardization of productand process sequence.
2. Dedicated special purposemachines having higher production capacities and
output rates.
3. Large volume of products.
4. Shorter cycle time of production.
5. Lower in process inventory.
6. Perfectly balanced productionlines.
7. Flow of materials, components and parts is continuous and without any back
tracking.
8. Productionplanning and control is easy.
9. Material handling can be completely automatic.
Advantages
Following are the advantages of Mass Production:
1. Higher rate of production with reduced cycle time.
2. Higher capacity utilization due to line balancing.
3. Less skilled operators are required.
4. Low process inventory.
5. Manufacturing cost per unit is low.
Limitations
Following are the limitations of Mass Production:
1. Breakdown of one machine will stop an entire production line.
2. Line layout needs major change with the changes in the productdesign.
3. High investment in productionfacilities.
4. The cycle time is determined by the slowestoperation.

5. 
5
2.4 Continuous Production
Production facilities are arranged as per the sequence of productionoperations
from the first operations to the finished product. The items are made to flow
through the sequence of operations through material handling devices such as
conveyors, transfer devices, etc.
Continuous Productionis characterized by
1. Dedicated plant and equipment with zero flexibility.
2. Material handling is fully automated.
3. Process follows a predetermined sequence of operations.
4. Componentmaterials cannot be readily identified with final product.
5. Planning and scheduling is a routine action.
Advantages
Following are the advantages of Continuous Production:
1. Standardization of productand process sequence.
2. Higher rate of production with reduced cycle time.
3. Higher capacity utilization due to line balancing.
4. Manpower is not required for material handling as it is completely automatic.
5. Personwith limited skills can be used on the production line.
6. Unit costis lower due to high volume of production.
Limitations
Following are the limitations of Continuous Production:
1. Flexibility to accommodate and process number of products does notexist.
2. Very high investment for setting flow lines.
3. Productdifferentiation is limited.